We’ve uncovered the secrets of a lot of the major “squares” in New York City – Times Square, Herald Square, Union Square, and Washington Square Park. Next on our list is Madison Square (and Madison Square Park). Madison Square Park was named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. It has been an urban public place since 1686 but officially became a public park in 1847, when the area was a bustling, trendy shopping district. Without further ado, here are our top ten secrets of Madison Square.

12. The First Versions Of Madison Square Garden Were Here

The first version of Madison Square Garden in around 1879. Image via Wikimedia Commons

Today, we know that Madison Square Garden is located on the West Side of Manhattan in Pennsylvania Plaza. However, the “World’s Most Famous Arena” had its origins right here in Madison Square.

The block northeast of Madison Square Park (between 26th and 27th streets) was the site of the first and second Madison Square Gardens (there were four versions in total). It started in 1873, when P.T. Barnum started hosting his circus in an obsolete railroad depot north of Madison Square, owned by Commodore Vanderbilt. He made it the site of his “Great Roman Hippodrome” every year, and the first arena officially became a reality in 1879. In fact, the circus kept the first (and financially poor) Madison Square Garden building stable.

However, structurally speaking, the building wasn’t working out, and it was demolished in 1889. To avoid missing more than one show season, a second Madison Square Garden Building was built at the same location, designed by famed architect Stanford White.

The second version of Madison Square Garden in 1890. Image via Wikipedia

One Response

Thanks for sharing these 12 ‘secrets’ of Madison Square Park and general area. Millions of people pass through and enjoy our park without realizing all which has transpired here over the centuries. This article sheds light and information on one of my favorite parks in the entire NYC area !!!